How to Fix Binoculars With Double Vision?

It is definitely very frustrating when you start seeing double images of the target object while using your binoculars. When this happens, it gets super hard to enjoy the beauty of nature when you can’t even see it properly.  If you’re having such an issue, then you might look for a solution to fix the problem.

So, how to fix binoculars with double vision? Double vision of binos is caused by misalignment of optical components which are present inside the binoculars. So, you’ll need to dismantle the binoculars and fix the component which is not aligned properly – it can be either a prism or any lens. Aligning these components will solve your problem.

Don’t worry, if this sounds a bit complicated. In this guide, I will explain all the processes of fixing the double vision of binoculars in the easiest possible ways. In the end, you’ll be able to easily fix your own binoculars without spending a single penny or visiting professional mechanics.

Also Read: Can Binoculars Be Pawned?

What is Double Vision in Binoculars?

It is a fact that many people don’t even understand the problem of double vision in binoculars and leave hope of getting them repaired again. So, they spend money to buy new ones and abandon their old binoculars.

Before solving the problem, you must have some knowledge about what actually double-vision of binoculars is.  Double vision occurs when the two optical barrels of the binocular are out of alignment, meaning they are not pointing to the same object in the distance. 

The misalignment causes the image to appear as two overlapping images, making it difficult to focus on the object you are trying to view. There are multiple reasons that cause double vision of binoculars. In the section below, I will explain the reason that causes the problem.

Why do Binoculars Have Double Vision?

As said earlier that there are multiple reasons that could cause double vision, however, the most common reason is that the binoculars are out of collimation, which means that the path which light follows may get distorted, resulting in a different image from two sides. 

But the question might come to your mind why do my binoculars get out of collimation? So, most of the time, collimation gets disturbed if you drop your binoculars o they are bumped, causing prisms and lenses to become misaligned.

Another reason for double vision is that the interpupillary distance, or the distance between the two eyepieces, is not set correctly for the user. If the distance is too wide or too narrow, it can cause the two images to overlap.

Types of Double Vision

There are two types of double vision in binoculars their names are listed below:

1. Vertical Double Vision
2. Horizontal Double Vision

What is the vertical double vision? This type of double vision occurs when the two images are stacked on top of each other, and you tend to see two images of one object. Vertical double vision is often caused by a misalignment of the prisms in the binoculars.

What is Horizontal Double Vision? It occurs when you see the image of the targeted object side by side. Keep in mind that horizontal double vision can be caused by a misalignment of the lenses. 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix Double Vision in Binoculars?

So, I think you have got enough basic information about the double vision of binoculars. It is time to go into depth and learn the solution that you can implement on your binoculars and get it repaired without visiting any mechanical shop. So, let’s get started.

1. Necessary Equipment For Fixing Double Vision

Before you start fixing your binoculars, you will need a few tools. Without having the tools, you won’t be able to solve this problem of double vision. Keep in mind that you will have to dismantle the binoculars so without tools you won’t be able to proceed. Here is the list of required tools:

• Screwdriver
• Razor or Scalpel
• Tripod Stand
• Adapter
• Scale for measurement
• Microfibre cloth 

Once you have arranged these tools, then begin the process as I am going to discuss in the section below. 

2. Test the Collimation

It is time to test the collimation. I recommend you to set up the binoculars on a tripod and line up your target when looking through the lenses. Line it up to as close to the center as possible. If the object appears double, then you need to adjust the collimation. However, if you don’t see the image object as ‘‘double’’ then rest assured that your binoculars don’t need any sort of treatment and it is in fine working conditions.

3. Removing Plastic Covering

So, if you found a double vision problem during testing the collimation, then you will have to remove the plastic covering present on the body of the binoculars. Every binoculars consist of some screws that hold the binocular’s body together. 

These screws are usually present under the plastic covering. To access the adjustment screws, you will need to remove the plastic covering. Use the penknife or razor to remove the plastic cover.

4. Find Adjustment Screws in Plastic Covering

Once the plastic covering is removed, you will see the adjustment screws. There are four screws, two horizontal and two vertical. Here is the function of these fours screws:

• The left horizontal screw adjusts the left lens
• The right horizontal screw adjusts the right lens. 
• The left vertical screw adjusts the up-and-down movement of the left lens
• The right vertical screw adjusts the up and down movement of the right lens.

5. Adjust the Horizontal & Vertical Screws

Use the scale to measure the distance between the two lenses. This distance is also known as the interpupillary distance. I recommend you use the black marker to mark the center of the lens. 

Use the screwdriver to adjust the horizontal and vertical screws until the two images merge into one. If you don’t see the image as one then keep adjusting the horizontal and vertical screws until you don’t see the image of the targeted object as one. 

Keep in mind to know what kind of double vision your binoculars have got. The type of double vision has already been discussed. For vertical double vision, adjust the vertical screws, and for horizontal double vision, adjust the horizontal screws.

6. Clean the interior before Tightening the Screws

Before tightening the screws, I highly recommend you clean the interior of the binoculars with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dust or debris. Don’t use such cloth that put scratches on binoculars. In fact, using microfibre cloth is recommended. Keep in mind that the uncleanliness of binoculars also causes the double vision problem in binoculars.

7. Refocus the Lens and See the Results

Have you followed all the steps? That’s great. Now, it is time to refocus the lens and test the binoculars to see if the double vision is fixed. You can use a tripod stand to check out if the double vision problem has been fixed or not. If it is not, repeat the steps until the issue is resolved.

Practical Tips to Avoid Double Vision of Binoculars

As an experienced user of binoculars, I have learned that double vision can be a frustrating problem that can ruin a good viewing experience. I still remember when I had old binoculars that got this problem I had to visit the mechanics as I had no information about how to fix that double vision of binoculars at home. 

However, the mechanic told me about some instructions that I followed, and never got an issue of double vision again. In the section below, I am going to give you some practical tips that could help you in avoiding the problem.

1- Proper Storage

Proper storage of your binoculars is essential to avoid double vision. When not in use, I highly recommend you always store them in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, which can cause damage to the internal components of the binoculars and cause double vision.

2- Don’t Use Them Carelessly

Most of the time, users take binoculars for granted and don’t pay much heed while using them. I recommend you avoid handling them carelessly. Always use the neck strap to keep them secure around your neck or hang them on a tripod when not in use. This will prevent them from falling and getting damaged, which can cause double vision.

3- Keep Them Cleaned

Cleaning your binoculars regularly is essential to avoid double vision. When you don’t clean binoculars regularly, then dust and dirt start accumulating which ended up making the optical components unaligned. 

I recommend you use a soft-bristled brush or microfibre cloth to remove dust and debris from the lenses and body of the binoculars. Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch the lenses and cause double vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In the end, I would say that fixing binoculars with double vision is not an easy task, but it is not impossible either. In this guide, I have explained everything in detail, and given you practical steps that you can follow to solve the problem. However, you will have to dismantle the binoculars. 

If your binocular is under warranty, make sure to contact the manufacturer and ask if the warranty will end if you dismantle the binoculars by yourself. If the manufacturer says that the warranty will end then I recommend you not to do the process by yourself and send the binoculars to the official manufacturer and get it repaired without spending a penny – by claiming your warranty.